Members of Congress passed House Concurrent Resolution 121 unanimously, showing a display of continued support from Congress for music education as part of a complete education for all children.
This provides another tool for advocates to use when making the case for the importance of music in our schools.
Tip of the hat to NAMM for leading the effort to make this happen!
Read the entire news release!110th CONGRESS 1st Session Whereas school music programs enhance intellectual development and enrich the academic environment for students of all ages; Whereas students who participate in school music programs are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol and have better attendance in school; Whereas the skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate, and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace; Whereas the majority of students attending public schools in inner city neighborhoods have virtually no access to music education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other communities; Whereas the arts are a core academic subject, and music is an essential element of the arts; and Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, therefore, be itH. CON. RES. 121
CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONResolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school. Passed the House of Representatives April 25, 2007.
This is such great news. For all of those interested Aaron P. Dworkin is the Founder and President of the Sphinx Organization. An accomplished electric and acoustic violinist, he came up with the idea of hosting a competition to bring students like himself from around the country to play works by minority composers and to gain resources to build professional careers. If you are looking for insight into how to develop programs that reach out to students that otherwise wouldn't have a chance to engage in music expression, this is a great opportunity given the timeliness of this announcement.
He is speaking at The Chautauqua Institution during the week of August 13-17th. Chautauqua is a great place to vacation. If you are a music aficionado, I recommend you check out the schedule. For further information you can review the program brochure located at: http://www.ciweb.org/SUMMERatchautauqua_web.pdf
Plan a great summer full of intellectual and spiritual nourishment.
Posted by: Kim N. | 04/30/2007 at 12:17 PM
Be sure to check out the news release!
Posted by: Bob Morrison | 04/28/2007 at 11:21 AM